Catholic community of Rongpathar village under Damra Parish, Goalpara district during the Silver Jubilee of the village.
The Catholic community of Rongpathar village under Damra Parish, Goalpara district, marked a historic milestone with the Silver Jubilee Celebrations of the first reception of faith. The three-day celebration, held from 12th to 14th September 2025, was a heartfelt thanksgiving for twenty-five years of Christian faith, nourished by catechesis, communal witness, and sacramental life.
The jubilee began on 12th September with the lighting of the lamp and a solemn Eucharistic celebration. In his inaugural message, Parish Priest Fr. Francis Kalariparampil SDB reminded the faithful that jubilees are moments of renewal an invitation to recommit to the baptismal call of living as witnesses of Christ in word and deed, especially in service to the vulnerable. Parish Council Vice-President Mr. Appolos outlined the goals of the Jubilee Retreat, highlighting renewal in prayer, catechesis, and community life.
On 13th September, Sr. Alpha, DST, from Damas Parish, animated the retreat with sessions of prayer, reflection, and scriptural meditation. Her engaging approach invited the community to rediscover the joy of faith and the call to live it with renewed fidelity.
The celebrations culminated on 14th September with the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Francis Kalariparampil SDB. In his homily, he underlined that the Jubilee was not an ending but a fresh beginning—a pastoral invitation to cultivate a living memory of faith and to be a beacon of the Gospel for future generations.
The celebration paid tribute to the pioneering work of the late Rev. Fr. Victor Ampanattuvilla SDB, who first sowed the seeds of faith in Rongpathar twenty-five years ago. Village Catechist Mr. Nirbirth Sangma, in his narration of history, recalled how the faith journey began with Fr. Victor’s pastoral vision and the support of catechists and families who embraced the Gospel with conviction.
The presence of parish council members, village catechists, sisters, and faithful from neighbouring villages highlighted the communal nature of the Jubilee. Catechists, with their vital role in catechetical formation, and the parish council, with their leadership and planning, were acknowledged for ensuring the faith continues to grow and bear fruit in families and communities.
The Jubilee celebration was not only a remembrance of the past but also a renewal of mission. As Rongpathar steps forward from this Silver Jubilee, the community carries with it a renewed zeal for faith, family catechesis, and faith teaching. The words of the parish priest echoed in every heart: “The Jubilee is a reminder that faith began in humility, grew in perseverance, and now shines as a beacon of hope for future generations.”
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